SeaDeucer Needs a Makeover. Suggestions???

[ChrisG]

I'm doing a '76 Sceptre makover.
I would like to repaint the deck but am running into problems with the non-skid pattern.
My yard recommended I grind the non-skid down flush with the rest of the gelcoat, then they can prime, paint and apply fresh non-skid uniformly accross the deck. It looks like the non-skid was installed as part of the mold and I would be reducing the structural integrity if I took too much off. I suppose the other option is to fill the channels with thickened epoxy then sand the deck flush with the raised surface. Either way this looks like a ton of work, and all I wanted to do was prep for painting. I remember another SeaCraft afficionado who masked each line then reapplied non-skid only to the stripes, I think it might end up looking worse if I were to try that.
Does anyone have any other suggestions on prepping the deck for paint/non-skid?